ALEXANDRIA SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Two-Weekend Crash Course: Learn to Sail a Flying Scot on the Potomac
A hands-on, instructor-led 10-hour program over two weekends that teaches rigging, points of sail, navigation markers, emergency drills and docking aboard a Flying Scot.
Two-Weekend Crash Course: Learn to Sail a Flying Scot on the Potomac.
Belle Haven Marina’s Adult Basic Sailing Course condenses core seamanship into two weekend days of practical instruction aboard a Flying Scot, pairing small crews with instructors so novices leave able to rig, navigate channel markers, handle right-of-way situations, run man-overboard drills and perform safe mooring and docking maneuvers.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands-on time aboard a Flying Scot
All on-water instruction takes place on a Flying Scot—stable, responsive day-sailers that are used throughout the course to teach rigging, sail trim and basic boat handling in real conditions.
Low ratios, high focus: 3:1 student-to-instructor
The program operates with a three-to-one student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring personalized coaching as you cycle through lessons on points of sail, navigation markers, right-of-way rules and practical docking.
Two weekend sessions — practice and repeat
The course is delivered as two five-hour sessions (Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.), giving time for on-deck practice, breaks, shore briefings and reinforcement between maneuvers.
What the day feels like
What a weekend on the water feels like
Expect concentrated, practical instruction: short shore briefings followed by stepping aboard a Flying Scot to practice rigging, sail trim and maneuvers. Instructors rotate attention among small crews so each student gets hands-on time with tacks, jibes, channel reading and docking; emergency drills and right-of-way scenarios are practiced until they feel instinctive.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this course—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack a lunch for each day, plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap and a hat. Wear layered clothing (one more layer than on land) and a light windbreaker in spring/fall; in summer, choose light-colored clothes. Non-skid or rubber-soled shoes (no sandals or flip-flops) are required.
The marina has vending machines selling sodas, water and juices; nearby restaurants and grocery stores are available but returning may risk losing your parking space.
Pack lunches for the picnic areas and bring ample water for lessons; alcoholic beverages are not permitted on rental vessels.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course each day?
The program is two 5-hour sessions, held Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., totaling 10 hours of instruction.
What is the cost and how do I book?
The course is listed at $550; participants are instructed to call to book.
What type of boat will we sail?
All on-water lessons are conducted aboard a Flying Scot.
What skills will I learn?
Students learn rigging, the points of sail, navigational markers, right-of-way rules, man-overboard procedures, and mooring and docking.
Is there an age minimum or class size limit?
Participants must be at least 16 years old; classes operate with a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
What should I wear?
Wear layered clothing, a windbreaker in cooler seasons, a hat and sunglasses with a strap; non-skid or rubber-soled shoes are required—do not wear sandals or flip-flops.